Not a fan of Gainwell if his just a third down specialist for pass pro. But if he is used on KR that helps somewhat justify his cost with new ST coach. But it still doesn't make sense given he isn't going to catch 70+ targets with this Bucs WR group and Irving healthy. He will be lucky to catch 25-30.
Is Gainwell that much better than White or Tucker?
Tucker isnt comparable. White is the comparison, the receiving/pass pro RB
Their run stats are about the same but Gainwell has a better average.
Last season White had 40 reception for about 220 yds so 5.5 average. His long reception was 18 yards and he had 0 receiving TDs.
Gainwell had 73 receptions for almost 500 yards (6.7 average) and a long reception of 45 yards and 3 receiving TDs
So maybe the best argument against Gainwell is the contract amount given the Bucs need cap space BUT I think Allgeiers signed for $6 per?
I guess we will all see.
Gainwell is a return specialist too but Tucker is a return specialist and bigger for the fraction of the cost. Gainwell is too similar to Bucky IMO which is why the Bucs needed a compliment to Bucky. Gainwell is here to protect Mayfield from being blasted with his shoulders being an issue IMO but it is an overpay.
Irving had something more than just an injury last season so maybe the are also concerned about him
Gainwell is a return specialist too but Tucker is a return specialist and bigger for the fraction of the cost. Gainwell is too similar to Bucky IMO which is why the Bucs needed a compliment to Bucky. Gainwell is here to protect Mayfield from being blasted with his shoulders being an issue IMO but it is an overpay.
Just because Tucker returned kicks last year doesn't make him a specialist. he was nothing special as both a RB and KR. Gainwell is the better player and its not that close.
Still doesn't justify paying him $7 mil per year.